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<p>Homelessness can lead to significant physical and mental health problems, and without
accommodation and support, the chances of recovery are very limited. The £10 million
Homeless Hospital Discharge Fund promoted new ways of improving the discharge arrangements
of homeless people from hospital by working with other local services to help their
recovery and improve their health.</p><br /><p>In April, the £40 million Homelessness
Change/Platform for Life programme was launched. This programme will join up health
and housing services, and help support young people at risk of homelessness across
the country. We will be announcing the successful programme bids shortly.</p><br /><p>Talking
Therapies, like the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme are
a key weapon in addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable groups, like homeless
people. While the normal referral processes to IAPT services are through general practitioners
(GPs), individuals can self-refer, meaning that homeless people can refer themselves
to services without the need for a GP.</p><br /><p>Public Health England is also working
with local authorities to help them understand better the physical and mental health
needs of homeless people in which access to IAPT will play a part.</p>
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